McCarthy Earns UW’s Milstead Distinguished Librarian Award

Debbie McCarthy was honored for her significant contributions to the University of Wyoming Libraries. (UW Photo)

Deborah McCarthy, head of Technical Services at University Libraries, is the recipient of the University of Wyoming’s 2013 Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award.

The late Agnes Milstead, a former professor of education and library science at UW, established the annual award in 1993 to recognize significant contributions to University Libraries in scholarships, program development, teaching, fundraising and professional achievements.

Recognized for her leadership in library technical operations, McCarthy oversees processing and provides order to millions of physical and electronic materials that comprise UW Libraries' collections. Led by McCarthy, the entire department works efficiently as to be nearly invisible to the university community.

“She provides strong leadership to those library staff members she supervises, and it is clear that they like her and respect her very much,” says UW Law Librarian Deb Person.

A librarian at UW since 2004, McCarthy has seen many changes in the department, most notably the shift from print to electronic resources and reductions in staff members.

During this time, “Debbie, more than any other department head, has implemented adjustments to her departmental workflows and the people involved in making those workflows happen,” writes Stephen Boss, department head of Library Information Technology.

Library Specialist Anita Trout says, “Debbie’s leadership has been a very important contribution to keeping UW Libraries a valued and effective institution for the university and the state of Wyoming.”

“A dedicated librarian, McCarthy represents the best of university librarians and is a valued member of the university community,” says Maggie Farrell, dean of Libraries.

McCarthy earned her M.L.S. (1989) at the Texas Woman’s University and her MBA (2003) at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Before joining UW Libraries, she worked in a variety of cataloging and technical service positions at the University of Texas at El Paso, Xavier University, St. Olaf College and NMSU. She currently serves as president of the Wyoming Libraries Association and is active in the Mountain Plains Library Association.